American Idol season 5 alum and Grammy winning Christian artist, Mandisa, dead at 47
American Idol season 5 alum Mandisa passed away at her home in Nashville, Tennessee on Thursday (April 18). The cause of death is not known at this time.
The Grammy winning Christian artist finished in 9th place when she competed on season 5 alongside Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler in 2006. K-Love radio broke the news. Mandisa’s father confirmed her death to TMZ who reports that her death was unexpected and a total shock to the family. There were no known health issues prior to her death.
She made her mark on American Idol after standing up to judge Simon Cowell after he snarkily criticized her weight behind her back. She humbled him, which doesn’t happen often.
“”Yes you hurt me, and I cried,” she said during the Top 24 final judgement.” she told the judge during the Top 24 final judgement where she was put through to the next round. “And it was painful, it really was. But I want you to know that I’ve forgiven you and you don’t need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody.”
Afterward he asked her for a hug and kiss, which she gladly gave him. “I’m just so appalling, aren’t I?” he quipped.
Mandisa won a Grammy for her Overcomer album in 2014
A California native, Mandisa released her debut album True Beauty after competing on the show.
She began her career as a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers while in College at Nashville’s Fisk University. Over the years, the singer collaborated with fellow Christian artists such a TobyMac, Matthew West, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz and Jon Reddick.
Her 2013 release, Overcomer, was a career defining album, winning the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music album in 2014. The lead single, “Overcomer” became an anthem for those fighting to get past life’s obstacles. She performed the song on Good Morning America. Mandisa’s Christian radio hits also include “Stronger,” “Good Morning (feat. TobyMac)” and “My Deliverer.”
She struggled with depression
Mandisa’s final album, Out of the Dark, came out in 2017. She’s has also released a greatest hits compilation, a remix EP and more worship singles. The singer revealed her battle with depression in her memoir, Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy.
Her last Instagram post before the post announcing her untimely death is dated August 15, 2023, announcing an appearance at a Christian conference scheduled for October of that year. Her only other 2023 post was in March thanking Amazon for adding her music to a playlist. She released Overcomer the remixes in April 2022. That was the last bit of music the singer released.
